Academic Associate - Creative Writing and Literature

Part time fixed term

Location: York

Salary: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum (£17,305 to £19,953 pro rata)

Introduction to YSJ university

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The team

Creative Writing and Literature sits within the School of Humanities at York St John University. Our core undergraduate programmes include BA Creative Writing and BA Literature with joint honours pairings with a range of other subjects, along with postgraduate programmes in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing and Creative Industries.

Across our programmes we emphasise research-informed teaching, inclusive practice, and the development of employability skills through applied learning and placement opportunities.

The department has a number of dedicated research groups including the York Centre for Writing, the Hauntology and Spectrality Research Group, the Research Unit for the Study of Satire and the Interdisciplinary Witches Research Group. (see ).

We also maintain active links with external partners across the creative and cultural sectors in the city and beyond, including the York Literature Festival.

The role

We are seeking to appoint an Academic Associate in Creative Writing and Literature to start in February 2027.

As an Academic Associate you will undertake a PhD within the School of Humanities whilst also being employed by the University to support teaching and assessment on our undergraduate programmes (0.5 FTE).

The Academic Associate is a fixed-term position for four years and includes a tuition fee waiver/scholarship for a full-time PhD. Please note that a condition of the post is full-time study.

Timetabled teaching duties during our two semesters will not exceed six contact hours per week on two working days, and may include delivery of seminars, workshops and tutorials.

Training is provided to support Academic Associates develop their teaching-related skills and professional competencies alongside their doctoral research.

We are inviting Academic Associates to propose research in the following areas:

• Publishing cultures, literary industries and contemporary reading communities.
• Hauntology and spectrality in contemporary literature and culture.
• Satire/public engagement with satire.

Your research proposal will show us that you understand current thinking in your chosen topic and are equipped with the knowledge and some of the skills needed to get started on a large research project.

Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.

Required skills and experience

• UK undergraduate degree in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing, English, or a related subject with first-class or upper second-class honours, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.
• A Masters degree in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing, or a closely related discipline is an essential requirement. Please note that applications are welcome from candidates close to completing a Masters degree, provided that their results/final award are received before commencement of the PhD at York St John University.
• High level of proficiency in English, sufficient to undertake doctoral research, teaching and administrative activities and to communicate effectively with staff and students.

Please be aware that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Graduate visas are also not accepted, as the role includes a mandatory study component that is not permitted under this visa route. Candidates offered the position will need to provide evidence of an alternative right to work in the UK, or a visa under another applicable immigration category. Further guidance is available at: .

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we encourage you to please apply as early as possible as we may consider closing earlier if we receive a high level of applications. If the vacancy is closed earlier, all pending applicants will be notified and provided with 24 hours' notice to submit an application.

Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can be helpful in shaping your responses, but we encourage you to share your answers in your own words.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -

- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period

- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)

- Pension scheme

- Health Cash Plan after six months service

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists

- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software

- Relocation expenses package for certain roles

- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and for additional costs (if applicable to the role)

Further information about life at YSJ

Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.

Closing Date - Monday 09 November 2026 at midnight

Provisional Interview Date - Thursday 26 November 2026